September 15, 2016

Continued vigilance necessary to ensure Arizona provides respect and dignity to all

Washington, D.C. – The following is a statement from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Secretary-Treasurer Esther López regarding the settlement in Valle del Sol vs. Whiting, the landmark case opposing S.B. 1070 in Arizona. The UFCW was a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

“This settlement reinforces the fact that law enforcement all across the United States must be blind to race or national origin. Hard-working people create great value and their rights and pursuit of a better life must be protected. While this legal battle may be over, our vigilance and our fight for equality and justice for all will never cease.”

BACKGROUND

This settlement, after six years of litigation, marks the end of the legal fight over S.B. 1070.

B. 1070 required Arizona police to determine the immigration status of someone arrested or detained if there was “reasonable suspicion” that they were not in the U.S. legally.

The UFCW was the first national member organization to join the lawsuit against S.B. 1070.

As a result of this lawsuit, every criminal provision of S.B. 1070 has been gutted. Law enforcement in Arizona cannot detain or arrest someone based on suspected immigration status alone. Where individuals are lawfully stopped or detained, law enforcement cannot prolong a criminal investigation in order to determine immigration status.

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The UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.3 million professionals and their families in grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries. Our members help put food on our nation’s tables and serve customers in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.